Pakistan welcomes UK's steps against Israel as 'clear rejection of illegal actions' in occupied Palestine
FO says Pak also welcomes the announcement by several other countries of measures against illegal Israeli settlements
Pakistan on Wednesday hailed the United Kingdom's decision to ban items from illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied West Bank, describing it as a strong rejection of the settlement activities, according to the Foreign Office (FO). In a statement on X, the FO emphasized that the expansion of these illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a clear violation of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. It added that such actions are hindering the two-state solution and regional stability.
Pakistan joined several other nations, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, in welcoming the UK's move and considering similar measures to combat the illegal Israeli settlements. The FO expressed hope that these actions would send a clear message rejecting illegal activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Pakistan reiterated its support for the Palestinian people's struggle for self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. On Tuesday, the UK announced a trade ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, joining France and Canada in the latest sanctions against Israel amid growing diplomatic isolation.
British Foreign Minister Ed Miliband stated that Britain could no longer merely call out injustice and suffering but had to act against the settlement expansion. He reaffirmed Britain's long-standing support for the two-state solution, which Israel opposes. Miliband also affirmed that the West Bank occupation is unlawful and that London believes Palestinians are experiencing ethnic cleansing in certain West Bank areas.
The UK's trade impact is expected to be minimal, given the annual bilateral trade worth £6 billion. Meanwhile, 12 countries announced plans to introduce national restrictions on trade with illegal Israeli settlements.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
